Who will cast the vision for a new generation of Pentecostal missionaries? Who will study the times and plot the strategies, teach the students and write the books that will shape the hearts and minds of tomorrow’s missionaries? The AGTS Doctor of Missiology Program has risen to serve these leaders by:

Enhancing missionary practice and resources

Preparing participants to teach missiology at any level

Building foundations for training missionaries overseas

Equipping leaders for compassion ministries

The D.Miss. recognizes the priority of the Holy Spirit’s person and power in accomplishing the mission of God (Missio Dei) and creates an environment in which students can experience the kind of learning that connects them more deeply to the Spirit’s work in mission and allows them to focus their program on specific application of their learning in the field.

The AGTS Doctor of Missiology consists of 48 credits earned in 11 modules and a professional project, and is built around several components:

Following a sequence of core classes, the D.Miss. offers tracks in Intercultural Studies (IS) and Christian Relief and Development (RD), in addition to elective courses, and culminates in the writing of a professional project.

Program Goals

The Doctor of Missiology Program will provide students with:

a deepening biblical and theological understanding of Missio Dei and the kingdom of God

a distinctively Pentecostal theology of intercultural ministry

an understanding of the historical development of the Christian movement and the participant’s role in the contemporary world;

the ability to discern the Holy Spirit’s direction in the fulfillment of the mission of God in diverse cultural settings and to contextualize effective expressions of the Gospel;

an emphasis on the priorities of evangelism, church planting, leadership formation, and • compassion ministries;

a continuing commitment to personal spiritual formation and growth as a member of God’s missionary people

a working knowledge of the close relationship between the local church and missions;

a scholarly contribution to the understanding and practice of intercultural ministry through the completion of a D.Miss. major applied project that integrates theoretical and empirical disciplines important to a specific ministry.

Program Schedule

A modular format requires five trips to AGTS over three years (all in July and December). Two courses are taken during each two-week session. Participants earn their 48 credits in:

Academic: An M.A. in an appropriate theological or missiological discipline from an acceptable school with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Experience: Not less than two years of appropriate intercultural ministry experience.

English: For applicants whose primary language is other than English, a TOEFL score of 585 or equivalent.

Writing: Submission and approval of a writing sample that demonstrates graduate-level research skills.

Language: Second language proficiency. In exceptional cases, this requirement may be substituted by petition. When a request for language waiver is submitted, the Admissions Committee may require six credits of relevant studies in the applicant’s area of research. This will be implemented at the discretion of the Committee in a case-by-case situation based on transcripts and experience.

In cases in which candidates for admission are considered to have insufficient background in biblical, theological or missiological disciplines, the seminary may require them to complete 15 credits of missiology foundation courses or 15 credits of theological foundation courses, or both as a co-requisite.

Application Procedure

To apply for admission

Submit a pre-application (download from the Intercultural Doctoral Studies Admissions web page) in order to receive a full application.

Submit a completed full application with a $75 non-refundable application fee or a $125 non-refundable online application fee ($15 for readmissions), a recent photograph, academic writing sample, and evidence of second language competency (e.g., language school transcript).

Request that official transcripts of all post-secondary institutions attended be sent to the Intercultural Doctoral Studies Office at AGTS.

Distribute academic, ministerial and personal recommendation forms and request those filling them out to return these documents within ten days to the AGTS Intercultural Doctoral Studies Office.

Request that written documentation of administrative approval be sent to the Intercultural Doctoral Studies Office. Email is acceptable.

Application Deadline

Individuals desiring admittance into the program should have their completed application files submitted no later than May 1 for consideration in the July cohort and October 1 for the December cohort. Under extenuating circumstances these deadlines may be extended.

Acceptance into the Doctor of Missiology Program

Applicants will be evaluated by the Intercultural Doctoral Studies Committee and referred to the Admissions Committee for consideration. Subsequently, they will be notified in writing regarding the status of their acceptance into the D.Miss. program.

Academic Policies and Procedures

Academic Status

Participants will remain in good academic standing in the D.Miss. program as long as they maintain a 3.0 grade point average, meet all financial obligations to the seminary, and conduct their personal lives with spiritual, moral and professional integrity, maintaining fitness for ministry. The administration reserves the right to dismiss any participant whose integrity in any of these areas is deemed unacceptable.

Students are expected to complete all course work in a timely fashion as specified by the instructor in the course syllabus. A grade of “IP” (In Process) will be issued if the professor’s due date falls after the AGTS semester ending date. Due dates of doctoral modular courses are at the discretion of the professor but will be considered IP until the first day of the next module or set of modules. A grade of failure may be issued if the work is not submitted by the first day of the next module(s) unless the student has requested an extension. If the student requests additional time, an incomplete “I” grade may be given at the discretion of the instructor for a 90 day extension. In the event the instructor grants a grade of incomplete, he or she will have the option of lowering the final grade for the course one letter grade lower than it would have been had the work been submitted on time. A grade of failure may be issued if the work is not submitted before the expiration of the 90 day extension. [Exception: Doctoral participants in the Project phase.] No student will be permitted to begin credit courses in a new semester if carrying more than two IP or I courses. Note: A $50 fee will be charged to the student’s account for every extension granted and a $30 fee applies to every grade change even if the instructor has approved an extension for completing the work.

Dismissal and Probation

A student making one “C” in the four core courses is placed on probation and should retake the course. A student will be dismissed upon making two “C’s.”

Graduation Requirements

To satisfy graduation requirements for the D.Min. degree, the participant must:

Satisfactory completion of all D.Miss. program requirements. This includes completion of 48 credits of course work (20 from Core courses, 12 from Track courses, 12 from Elective courses, and 4 from the Project phase).

Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0, including no more than one C.

Students are required to register for graduation as follows: Those who wish to graduate in the fall semester of the same year must submit a graduation application on the student portal by October 31. Those who wish to graduate in the spring or summer semester must submit their graduation application on the student portal by January 30 of the same year. Those who miss these deadlines will have to wait until the following October to file for graduation.

Attend the Commencement exercises. (Approval to be absent must be secured from the Academic Affairs Committee through the Registrar by April 1.)

Professional Project

Participants write a professional project that reflects on the practice of ministry in their context.

Program Duration

A typical D.Miss. participant will finish the program in approximately four years.

Transfer Credits

An individual may transfer in a total of eight advanced standing doctoral credits. Individual appeals for transfer credits will be evaluated based upon the following considerations:

Transfer credits must be from appropriately accredited institutions or those recognized by an approved foreign accrediting body.

Student must have earned a passing grade of “B” or higher (3.0 on a 4.0 scale).

Transfer credits must be relevant to the D.Miss. program.

Recent time frame of courses taken will be reviewed. Extenuating circumstances of the participant will be considered (e.g., missionary in a situation that makes it difficult to take courses in a timely fashion.)

To request transfer credit, official transcripts must be reviewed by the Registrar’s Office before consideration for doctoral credit will be given. (Any exception to the standard policy must be recommended by the Intercultural Doctoral Studies Committee and approved by the Academic Affairs Committee.)

Note: The transfer of credits does not waive/change the Program Fee.

Doctor of Missiology Courses Open to Unclassified Doctoral-Level Students

A limited number of non-degree, post-MA persons who are not pursuing a D.Miss. degree at AGTS may be allowed to take D.Miss. courses if they satisfy admission requirements for the D.Miss. program. Contact the Intercultural Doctoral Studies office for more information.

Audit Policy

Graduates of the D.Miss. program have the option of auditing one course per year on a space-available basis. A significantly discounted fee is charged for the Audit.

Financial Information

Program Fee

“There is one Program Fee of $23,400* which is paid in 12 equal installments over four years.
The program fee covers tuition for 48 credit hours, project fees and graduation fees and will not increase for the duration of your program. This fee does not cover the application fee, textbooks, costs of travel, housing and meals incurred while on campus, editing, directed research fees, continuation fees, extension fees or tuition for courses taken at other institutions. Because Assemblies of God World Missions (AGWM) contributes significant economic resources to the program, AGWM and AGUSM appointed missionaries are eligible for a discounted fee of $18,400. Missionaries appointed by AG sister churches will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The program fee (*subject to change each fall) is payable in three installments per year. (AGTS accepts cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard and Discover as payment.) The first installment is due on the first day of class. All subsequent installments are due on the first day of the months of regularly scheduled courses (February, June and October). The fees are non-refundable.

*Applicable for the 2014-2015 academic year and is subject to change thereafter for new participants.

Promissory Note

Participants are required to sign a promissory note at their initial registration indicating their commitment to paying the Program Fee in a timely fashion and in its entirety. This is standard procedure required of all AGTS doctoral students. The promissory note will outline the installment due dates for the participant. The 12 installments outlined are to be paid consecutively and are still due at the assigned date, even if the participant for any reason skips a class session.
Financial Aid

D.Miss. participants are eligible for loan deferment. The program does qualify for VA benefits and private student loans. However, grants and scholarships for Doctor of Missiology study are normally not available. Contact the Financial Aid office for more information.

Readmission Financial Policy: if a participant withdraws from the program and later desires to return, his/her financial obligations will be as follows:

The program fee current at the time of readmission will apply and the student will sign a new promissory note.

All payments made under the previous promissory note would be applied toward the current program fee. Participants would be required to pay the difference between the current program fee and what heor she actually paid under the previous program fee.

Unclassified Student Course Fee: the fee for doctoral students from outside the AGTS program taking our elective classes will be charged at 115% of the current single fee payment.

Unclassified Student Audit Fee: the fee for doctoral students from outside the AGTS program auditing our classes will be charged at 25% of the current single fee payment.

Graduate Audit Fee: the fee for graduates of the AGTS D.Miss. program auditing courses will be charged at $200 per class.

Program Continuation Fee: if a participant extends the program into a sixth or seventh year, a $500 continuation fee per year will be charged.

Program Extension Fee: if a participant extends the program into an eighth or ninth year, a $1500 extension fee per year will be charged. Extensions will not normally be granted past the ninth year.

Lodging, Meals, Transportation

It is up to the student to make his or her own travel and living arrangements while attending classes.

Doctor of Missiology Program Design

Core Courses (20 credits)

MSS 901 - Core 1 - Leaders in a Global Context (4 credits)
This course will orient participants to the unique dynamics and requirements of Doctor of
Missiology education, highlighting issues that will impact their lives and ministries; provide an
overview of the Tracks and courses, with special focus on missiological research; and guide
participants in self reflection in light of their ministries and global issues.

MHT 902 -Core 2 - Missio Dei and the Contemporary World (4 credits)
An examination of Missio Dei from biblical and Pentecostal theological perspectives. This
interdisciplinary study integrates theory and praxis, preparing the student to develop strategies for
accomplishing the mission of God in diverse cultural milieus.

MCC 903- Core 3 - Intercultural Communication and Missions Anthropology (4 credits)
Studies in the literature of intercultural communication, focusing on cultural contexts and barriers,
with implications for Christian witness, lifestyle and relationships. Cultural anthropological issues
will be examined to determine their application to a Christian view of intercultural ministry and
the discipline of missiology.

MCS 904 - Core 4 - Theological Issues, Contextualization and Area Studies (4 credits)
A course to enable students to respond to theological issues encountered in intercultural contexts,
such as Trinitarian concerns, bibliology, local theologies, syncretism and Pentecostalism. Students
will work with personally relevant area-specific case studies and principles of “doing theology” in
another context will be analyzed.

MSS 905 - Core 5 - Methods of Missiological Research (4 credits)
An introduction to the approaches to research design and research methods employed in
missiological research. The relationships among theological inquiry, socio-anthropological inquiry,
and missions practice will be examined. Attention will be given to each of the major components
of a major applied research project: problem, review of the literature, research
methodology, findings and conclusions. Development of a research design, bibliography and
database for missiological research will be emphasized.

Track Courses (12 credits)

Following their Core courses, D.Miss. students will choose between two tracks: Intercultural Studies
or Christian Relief and Development. Each track involves 12 credits (three courses) of study in a
specialized area.

Intercultural Studies Track

MHT 910 - The History of Christianity in Missiological Perspective
A study of selected missiological paradigms throughout the expansion of Christianity from
Pentecost to the present. Writings of mission theorists will be studied for understanding the
advance or decline at key historical junctures, as well as the assessing of current missiology.

MCS 911 - Encountering Non-Christian Religions
A focus on the biblical and theological understanding of non-Christian religions. Participants
will examine critical issues facing the church in light of biblical teaching and current conflicting
ideas and theories in pluralistic societies. Attention will be given to diversity, truth and salvation
in religions.

MSS 912 - Evangelizing, Discipling and Church Planting
An exploration of biblical principles, contemporary models, and effective strategies for
evangelizing non-believers, discipling converts and planting healthy churches. Global
challenges of the urban context and assimilation will be considered. Case studies will be
examined.

Relief and Development Track

MCS 920 - Biblical Perspectives on Issues of Social Justice
An investigation of biblical perspectives on social justice and the formulation of a scriptural
foundation for the Church’s response to human suffering with holistic ministries. Special
attention will be given to racial injustice and global poverty. A prerequisite for Relief and
Development Track.

MSS 921 - Relief and Development in Mission: Theories and Strategies
This course facilitates the articulation of a Christian response to global relief and development.
Classical and modern theories of economic development and poverty eradication will be
examined from a Christian perspective. Community development within a Christian worldview
will be informed by the role of the developer on a personal, local, regional and global level.

MSS 922 - Contemporary Social Issues in Mission
This course will identify the major global issues of injustice that impact women, children and
minority people groups, such as human sexual trafficking, children at risk and human rights
abuses. It will explore issues that impact on development such as AIDS and other international
health crises, urbanization trends, global economic threats, wars and refugees and
environmental issues. It will provide a critical overview of best practice interventions by
international agencies and Christian relief and development organizations who address these
global issues of social injustice.

Elective Courses (12 credits)

Students will select three classes from the available Elective courses to deepen their study of specific topics. One elective course in Area Studies is required.

MSS 900 Special Studies: Tutelage
A track elective taken under the tutelage of an assigned professor of record. (In order to take this course the student must secure the approval of his or her program adviser.)

MSS 930 Alternative Approaches to Education
An analysis of the principles of traditional and nontraditional education, both formal and informal,
with emphasis given to ministry formation. Selected educational systems such as theological
education by extension (TEE), distance education, in-service training, will be evaluated as to
contextual suitability and effectiveness. Participants will engage in creative application of the
principles presented and innovative modes of delivery systems.

MSS 931 Leading the Christian Non-Profit Organization
The critical role of the faith-based organization (FBO) has been universally acknowledged by the development community in its war on poverty. This course will trace the FBO’s road to recognition in both the United States and internationally and examine the unique contribution of the FBO in community development. It will explore international legislation governing the establishment of non-governmental organization's (NGO's), examine legal requirements for registration, and identify the financial management and project reporting requirements that are expected of an accountable and transparent organization. It will further provide the student with the skills to create a community development profile, strengths/weaknesses/opportunities/threats (SWOT) analysis and strategic plan to assist a church community to mobilize for action. Finally the student will be prepared in the skills of creating a viable business plan and the identification of potential funding resources for FBO activities.

MCS 932 Contextualized Leadership Training
A study to facilitate leadership development vision by analyzing leadership selection processes, authority patterns and spiritual formation in a particular setting. Participants will be encouraged to develop culturally appropriate principles, strategies and methods of leadership training including church-based, institutional and non-formal approaches. Emphasis will be given to designing resources and building team concepts for long-term reproducible models.

MSS 933 HIV/AIDS in a Global Context
The course will explore the global HIV/AIDS pandemic from various perspectives. It will look at the medical issues that the disease raises and its contribution to global poverty. It will explore the political, economic, social and security issues that its spread has created in Africa, and project future trajectories for the spread of the disease. The course will also attempt to formulate a Christian perspective on the proposed role of the church to prevent the spread of the pandemic, to provide services to minimize its affects and to minister to those infected and affected by the disease. The underlying assumption of these strategies will be to create interventions that are sustainable and community-based and have as their focal point the centrality of the local church in the areas that are most affected.

MSS 934 Contemporary Missions: Issues and Strategies
A study of current issues and strategies in missions. Topics such as collaboration, short-term and career commitments, non-residential missions, the “business as missions” movement, theological education, training church leaders/planters, missionary lifestyle, interfaith dialogue and holism/international development will be considered.
MSS 935 Area Studies Elective (required)
Specialized study in a particular area or region of the world. These studies may be taken as a seminar, tutorial or through course work in government-approved universities around the world. (In order to take this required elective course, the student must petition and secure the approval of his/her program advisor.)

MSS 939 Special Studies with an Approved Educational Provider
A track elective taken with an approved educational provider that facilitates the development of competencies germane to the major applied research project. (In order to take this course, the student must secure the approval of his/her Program Advisor.)

MSS 900 Special Studies: Tutelage
A track elective taken under the tutelage of an assigned professor of record. (In order to take this course the student must secure the approval of his/her program advisor.)

Project Course (4 credits)

MCS 999 Project Development
Upon the completion, acceptance and successful oral defense of a written major applied project which integrates theory and praxis and makes a scholarly contribution to the practice of intercultural ministry, four credits will be recorded on the transcript. All participants working on the project phase will maintain a continued registration in the program.

Field Research Course (0 credit)

MC 000 Doctoral Field ResearchThis course facilitates and contributes to research in the student’s specific context that will culminate in a project that advances knowledge in the field of study and enables the participant to integrate and apply his or her learning in an intercultural context.

Qualifying Exam

The qualifying examination is intended to demonstrate an acceptable level of competency in missiology and the ability to apply the literature to a set of circumstances. The student is required to submit to the qualifying exam within a three-year period of the start of his or her first course and is eligible to take the examination upon successful completion of the following core courses:

A list of recommended readings to support competencies developed in the core courses will be provided at the beginning of the program.

The qualifying examination is composed of two exams. One exam is based on the missiological content and disciplines of study introduced in the core courses MS/MSS 901 Leaders in a Global Context and MH/MHT 902 Missio Dei and the Contemporary World; the second is based on MC/MCC 903 Intercultural Comm. and Missions Anthropology and MC/MCS 904 Theo. Issues, Contextualization and Area Studies. Each exam will be comprised of two questions . One question will be selected from two summative questions developed and approved by the Intercultural Doctoral Studies Committee, one for each core course ; and the second question will be a context specific question selected by the committee from questions submitted by the student.

The student will submit to the Intercultural Doctoral Studies Committee two summative context -specific questions for each exam (a total of four questions, one for each core course listed above) which seek to integrate and apply the content of the courses to the student’s specific missional environment. If the questions are not approved, they will be returned to the student with suggestions for resubmission. If approved, the committee will select one question for each exam. The questions for each of the two exams will be sent electronically to a preapproved proctor.

The student will make arrangements with the proctor to schedule and take the exams in an appropriate context on a computer that is not connected to the Internet and contains no files related to the exams. For each exam the proctor will present the two selected questions to the student who will write a response to each. Each exam should be minimally 2000 words (1000 words per question1) referencing the appropriate literature (author only, bibliographic reference not required). Four hours will be allowed for each exam. The two exams are to be taken within a two -week period. Upon completion of each exam the proctor will email the student’s response in electronic format to the Intercultural Doctoral Studies Committee, retain one copy as a backup and provide one copy to the student (e.g. by email, thumb drive). Each exam will be graded by a specialist in the field and by a generalist according to the following classifications: Superior, Satisfactory, Marginal or Unsatisfactory. Any grade of unsatisfactory by either grader or marginal by both will require retesting in that discipline/course. A marginal or unsatisfactory score by either grader on the retest will result in disqualification from the program.

1 The average exam response is between 2800 and 3800 words (1400-1900 words per question).

Project Prospectus

At the conclusion of Core 5, Methods of Intercultural and Missiological Research, a formal project prospectus must be presented to and approved by the Intercultural Doctoral Studies Committee. The prospectus must be presented to and approved by the Intercultural Doctoral Studies Committee. The prospectus should include project title, a problem statement or thesis, research questions or hypothesis, a literature review related to the research, methodology to be employed, a description of how track, elective, and research courses will be integrated in the research design, an explanation of how the findings will be reported, categories for the conclusions and recommendations, and a preliminary outline of the project. With the successful completion of the qualifying exam and the approval of the project prospectus, the student will be assigned a guidance committee comprised of the project coordinator, a content-specialist advisor, and an outside reader whose research expertise is directly related to the projected research identified in the prospectus in order to develop the study program.

Project

A research project advances knowledge in the field of study and enables the participant to integrate and apply his or her learning in an intercultural ministry context. Upon the completion, acceptance, and successful oral defense of a written project which makes a scholarly contribution to the discipline and practice of intercultural ministry, four credits will be recorded on the transcript.